GUEST VIEW: In wake of Janus ruling, organized labor must help all workers

By
Tim Foley

Posted Sep 9, 2018 at 3:01 AM

Teamster Local 59 members are on strike at Brittany Global Technologies in the South End of New Bedford. They had a picket line on Labor Day, Sept. 3. [ JENNETTE BARNES/THE STANDARD-TIMES/SCMG ]▲

This past summer the Supreme Court dealt a blow to organized labor with its Janus ruling, which declared that public employees do not have to pay union fees covering the cost of collective bargaining. It could also make it more difficult for some unions to communicate with their members.

The decision was disappointing, but not unexpected given the ongoing assault on policies that benefit working people by special interest groups, the Trump Administration and big corporations. These attacks are not going to stop and it is vital that organized labor come together, formulate a concerted strategic response and fight back on behalf of every worker in Massachusetts. This state fueled the creation of the labor movement, and it is crucial we lead the fight against these accelerating attacks.

Here in the commonwealth we're fortunate that residents, elected officials and business leaders largely understand and appreciate the value of organized labor. We recognize the contributions of unions, which give workers a strong voice on the job and advance issues of social and economic justice. We know that when unions thrive, low and middle-income wages rise for all workers, boosting our economy and creating a higher quality of life.

One of labor's greatest strengths has always been our ability to improve the lives of all workers, whether they are in a union or not. Many of the most crucial benefits Americans take for granted today — from a minimum wage and paid sick time to a 40-hour work week, basic civil rights and due process in the workplace — have been enacted because of organized labor. Unions have been at the forefront fighting for benefits that help all workers, whether in a union or not. This is especially true today with recent victories that are boosting employees around the commonwealth, including the establishment of a $15 an hour minimum wage, earned sick time and paid family and medical leave.

This past Labor Day we honored the contributions of working people and these ideas are inherent in the concept of the holiday. In the wake of the Janus decision, there has been some debate among organized labor here in Massachusetts and around the country about the role of unions. At the core of the debate is whether organized labor should advocate on behalf of its members or create a broader vision that lifts up all workers.

Simply put: We must continue to do both. And it's more important now than ever before, that we grow and strengthen union membership, fight and win for all working people, and organize political strength in our communities. Organized labor has a unique opportunity in this moment to evolve, to update organizing models and strengthen and expand our base. As conservative right wingers push for tax cuts and other policies that benefit only the very richest among us, we must organize in our communities and discuss the issues we're fighting for: strong, middle class jobs and basic fairness for all.

We understand that when workers do better, we all do better. This is a powerful message, one that we should be proud to share.

It's too soon to tell exactly what long-term impact the Janus ruling will have here in Massachusetts. No doubt it will empower some to try and make it more difficult for unions to organize and communicate with their members.

This legislative session we missed a crucial opportunity to pass legislation that would have mitigated some of the most damaging aspects of the Janus ruling. That bill sought to reaffirm the central role of organized labor in creating a strong economy that works for all families. And it included important provisions to ensure unions have the opportunity to communicate their value and mission to members, even as the Janus decision seeks to limit them.

Part of the goal of the Trump Administration and big corporate interests is to fuel discord between unions. If we are going to fight back effectively we can't fall into that trap. We must display a united front in the midst of relentless efforts to weaken unions. We missed a chance to do this in the last legislative session. Let's not miss another. Organized labor has the unique ability to help all workers. Let's come together and continue to do so.

Tim Foley is the executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.